Live In Head Gardener

Mission 4 Recruitment; Hertford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a highly professional Head Gardener for a 7000-acre estate in Hertfordshire. The role involves overseeing multiple gardens, leading projects, and ensuring pristine presentation. Ideal candidates will have strong horticultural knowledge and a passion for creativity. The position includes a competitive salary, benefits such as pension contributions, and rent-free onsite housing.

Benefits

Salary of approximately £40,000 depending on experience

7% employer pension contribution

Private healthcare and life assurance

Lifestyle benefits including discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing large gardens.
• Strong horticultural knowledge.
• Ability to design and implement planting schemes.
• Knowledge of heritage gardening and conservation principles.
• Passionate, creative, and detail-oriented horticulturist.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, manage and enhance the various gardens.
• Develop and implement new projects and planting schemes.
• Monitor plant health and implement sustainable gardening practices.
• Manage budgets for plants and supplies.
• Prepare the walled gardens for events and maintain tidiness.

Skills

Strong horticultural knowledge

Ability to design and implement planting schemes

Practical, hands-on approach

Strong communicator

Problem-solving skills

Education

Proven experience in managing large gardens

PA1/PA6 spraying certificates and chainsaw certification (desirable)

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Live in Head Gardener

This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly professional Head Gardener to take responsibility for the grounds and gardens of a 7000 acre estate in Hertfordshire. Ideally you will have held a similar role within an estates environment and you will be a passionate, creative and detail orientated horticulturist. You must have a full and valid driving licence.

The Head Gardener's remit will be varied and will include looking after the following areas:

• The six-acre Walled Garden, recently restored and reputedly where Joseph Paxton started his working life, split into four quadrants.
• The six-acre Stables House Garden, a mature garden with magnificent views.
• Other smaller guest house gardens overlooking the stunning parkland landscape.
• Prestigious entrances, drives and other public-facing areas.

The Head Gardener will take responsibility for all of the above, as well as contributing to wider estate work as a member of the approximately 20 strong Estate Team.

The Head Gardener will be responsible for both day-to-day maintenance of the gardens, as well as project management of new schemes and infrastructure, all to the highest of standards. The postholder is expected to be both hands‑on and managerial, and willing to do what it takes to ensure immaculate presentation of the gardens and grounds at all times. The role requires strong technical expertise, passion, creativity, and the ability to manage resources within a budget to ensure the gardens reflect the character and prestige of the Park.

The Head Gardener will be housed onsite in excellent living quarters, likely at The Stables House, rent free, and will be expected to be fully immersed in the presentation of the gardens, whilst also being available for occasional out-of-hours work and emergencies.

Gardens Management

• Maintain, manage and enhance the various gardens in Woodhall Park.
• Develop and implement new projects, planting schemes, seasonal displays, and long-term garden improvement plans.
• Monitor plant health, soil quality, and pest/disease management.
• Implement sustainable and environmentally responsible gardening practices.
• Maintain glasshouses, orchards, kitchen gardens, and specialist collections.
• Ensure conservation and preservation of historic and heritage garden features.
• Provide assistance to the wider estate by arranging garden works at let or vacant properties.

Park Presentation

• Be responsible for ensuring tidiness and presentation of Guest House external areas ahead of any guests arriving.
• Be responsible for the maintenance of the park entrances, hard surfaces, driveways and verges.
• Prepare the walled gardens for weddings and events, and tidy afterwards.

Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor contractors/volunteers.
• Allocate daily tasks and oversee performance to ensure high standards.

Operational Duties

• Manage budgets for plants, tools, machinery, and supplies.
• Liaise with colleagues, contractors, and external specialists.
• Ensure all equipment and machinery are maintained and used safely.
• Maintain outdoor guest facilities, such as the swimming pool, tennis court, hot tubs etc.
• Be available out of hours.
• Keep accurate records of planting, maintenance, and seasonal work.
• Support the wider estate team with gardening assistance at let and vacant properties, or properties being renovated, needs arising.

Requirements

• Proven experience in managing large gardens.
• Strong horticultural knowledge.
• Ability to design and implement planting schemes.
• Knowledge of heritage gardening, conservation, and biodiversity principles.
• PA1/PA6 spraying certificates and chainsaw certification (desirable).
• Full UK driving licence.
• Passionate, creative, and detail-oriented horticulturist.
• Practical, hands‑on approach with excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communicator with a collaborative attitude.
• Flexible and adaptable to seasonal demands and events.

Perks and Benefits

• Salary: In the region of £40,000 depending on experience and prorated to hours.
• Pension: 7% employer's pension contribution.
• Private healthcare, life assurance, lifestyle benefits including discounted gym membership, comprehensive discounts and employee support package via Sage, as well as advantageous employment benefits.

Despite our best efforts it is not always possible to respond to every application individually due to the high volume of responses we receive on each vacancy.

Only candidates who are short listed will be contacted for this particular role and if you have not heard from us within 7 days please assume that you have not been successful. However, we will keep your details on our database, and will contact you when other suitable positions come in.